Katharine Marie McKenzie

On June 19, 2024, our dear mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend Katharine Marie McKenzie unexpectedly passed away at her home. Kati was born September 6, 1968, in Salem, Oregon to Kristeen (Ahling, McKenzie) Koebler and Kenneth McKenzie. Her childhood and adulthood consisted of living in the familiar city of Rockford Illinois. In 1986 she graduated from Rockford Auburn High School and in 1987, Kati received her cosmetology license from the State of Illinois. Kati loved her career in cosmetology and continued to keep current on her cosmetology licensing and career working at Super Cuts, Dukes and Lords, Great Clips and Sport Clips. She spent some time exploring other avenues and careers but loved being with her family the most.

Kati gave birth to her two children, Rondell McKenzie on October 20, 1991, and Jaelyn McKenzie on July 11, 2000. Her life was devoted to being the best mother, daughter, co-worker and friend. She considered others to be a part of her family; Markeisha Harris, Zac Coble, Samantha Elliott, Kenneth Edwards, Brennan Simpson, and Henderson Simmons. She fulfilled that devotion with patience, grace and sometimes attitude. Kati loved to support her family. She was so proud of her son's artistic abilities and loved to show it off along with being equally proud of her daughter's accomplishments with school and venture into the medical field. Kati loved every part of being a member of her community; and if you had a chance to engage with her, you would be greeted with a friendly contagious smile and laughter that could capture anyone's attention when she'd walk into a room. She was energetic and flamboyant, with a never-ending positive attitude. With the love of her life, Tommie Paige, Kati was comfortable in her own skin and had no problem defending herself or the ones she loved and the paths she took in life. Kati's passions included waking up to a pot of freshly brewed coffee, the love of the ocean, sandy beaches and sea life. Her porch was filled with summer flowering plants, herbs, feeders that attracted pesky chipmunks and squirrels, and beautiful seasonal birds. Most of all her true passions were her kids, Jaelyn and Rondell. They were her true north and south, her sunrise and sunset, and she was the anchor that calmed their waters in the sea of life.

Kati is survived by her daughter Jaelyn McKenzie and son Rondell McKenzie, mother Kristeen Koebler, father Kenneth McKenzie, stepmother Carol McKenzie, brother Matthew McKenzie, sister-in-law Laura McKenzie, and nieces and relatives on both her mother's and fathers' side. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Virginia and Marv Ahling and Evelyn and Lauren McKenzie, her uncle, Thomas Ahling and aunt, Mary Jo McKenzie.

A service of memorial for family and friends is scheduled for 11:00 A.M., Monday, June 24, at the Second First Church, 318 North Church Street, Rockford, Illinois. Use the Jefferson Street (south) entrance to the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Ric O'Barry's Dolphin Project, 171 Pier Avenue, #234, Santa Monica, California 90405. (Kati had an adopted dolphin (Rambo) with this company for several years.)